The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's 2005 Summerfest offers Broadway, Beethoven, Bolero, a baritone barber, booming cannons and the battle for Middle Earth - all in the month of July at Artpark.
"We're thrilled to announce both our season and support in the form of a major sponsorship from First Niagara Bank," said JoAnn Falletta, BPO music director.
"Supporting organizations like the BPO, who have such a positive impact on the quality of life here, is a great opportunity for us to help make a difference," said First Niagara's Executive Vice President of Consumer Banking, Michael Giaquinto. "We are proud to bring the BPO to Artpark and excited about the creatively diverse season ahead."
A long-time supporter of the BPO, First Niagara Bank was founded in 1870 and continues a legacy of giving. In addition to sponsorships, First Niagara contributes leadership, time, talent and treasure to community-minded agencies through corporate donations, volunteerism and grants from its foundation.
Falletta said Artpark offers the opportunity to bring world-class programming to a setting that is singularly Western New York. "We are extremely grateful to First Niagara, the ongoing support of the John R. Oishei Foundation and our promotional partner The Buffalo News for making our return to Artpark possible."
The highlight of the season is the regional premiere of "The Lord of the Rings Symphony," the very best of Howard Shore's award-winning score on July 15 and 16. The event features more than 200 musicians in an otherworldly quest for one ring to rule them all.
This one-of-a-kind experience features original illustrations and storyboard sketches by celebrated artists Alan Lee and John Howe projected onto a screen above the orchestra as The Lord of the Rings story unfolds throughout the six-movement, two-hour. The production has broken box-office records in every appearance in its short history.
"The Lord of the Rings Symphony is truly an artistic and cultural phenomena," said Ange Fatta, chairman of the BPO Board of Trustees. " It brings energy and excitement to our entire summer season."
The Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, a boys' chorus, an array of unusual instruments and instrumental effects will add to the drama of Tolkien's tale of the battle for Middle Earth. Tickets are now available at the BPO box office at 716 - 885-5000 or online at www.bpo.org.
BPO Summerfest opens on July 9 with the return of acclaimed pianist Norman Krieger under the baton JoAnn Falletta for an All-Tchaikovsky program including the "Polanaise from Eugene Onegin," "Piano Concerto No. 1," and "Serenade for Strings" - culminating in the "1812 Overture." Krieger and Falletta return with the BPO the following evening for and All-Gershwin evening with the "Porgy and Bess Symphonic Picture," "Piano Concerto in F," and "An American in Paris."
Three Broadway Tenors take the stage with the BPO and Ron Spigelman, associate conductor, on July 22 and 23 showcasing favorites from the Great White Way including "O Sole Mio," "There's No Business Like Show Business," and "Too Damn Hot." Doug LaBrecque, Kip Wilborn and Sal Viviano join the performance from a variety of award-winning Broadway roles. Marcin Dylla, the Polish-born winner of the 2004 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition, will be featured on Sunday afternoon July 24 at 3 p.m. for WNED Day at Artpark. The classical guitar showcase will feature Rodrigo's "Concerto de Aranjuez," Chabrier's "Espana," Rimsky-Korsakov's "Capriccio Espagnol," de Falla's "Suite No. 2 from the Three-Cornered Hat" and Ravel's "Bolero" lead by JoAnn Falletta.
A special semi-staged production of The Barber of Seville, with the BPO under the direction of Ron Spigelman and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, with fill the Lewiston evening air with Rossini's musical tale on the evenings of July 29 and July 30.
The season ends on July 31 with an All Beethoven program featuring pianist Anna Polonsky with Falletta and the BPO. The Egmont Overture. Piano Concerto No. 2 and legendary Symphony No. 5 will cap the season.
Tickets are on sale now at Tops Markets, the BPO Box Office at Kleinhans Music Hall, at Artpark, online at www.bpo.org or by calling 716-885-5000. Season subscription and group sales information is available at 716- 885-9371.